Bopara, who scored just 22 runs in the innings defeat at The Oval in the first Test, was unavailable for selection for personal reasons.

Nottinghamshire batsman Taylor made his one-day international debut against Ireland last year and has also represented England Lions.

National selector Geoff Miller said it was the right call to bring in the 22-year-old instead of a more experienced player, even though the second Test could decide both the series and which team ends the summer at the top of the world rankings.

‘James has been part of the England Performance Programme for a number of years and has performed consistently for England Lions and now has an opportunity to step up and experience the Test environment,’ he said.

The rest of the squad is the same as for the first Test and Miller insisted it was right to give the players who had taken England to the top of the world rankings a chance to gain revenge on South Africa.

‘We were outplayed during the first Investec Test last week, but it is important that this squad regroups and focuses on preparing for the second Test,’ he said.

‘This is a talented squad with plenty of international experience and they will be determined to improve on the performance during the first Test.’

Pacemen Steven Finn and Graham Onions, who did not play at The Oval, are in the squad, so England could opt to select a fifth bowler instead of handing a first cap to Taylor.